The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens
Wander illuminated garden pathways featuring colourful light displays depicting scenes from The Twelve Days of Christmas. Visitors can sing along to seasonal music from traditional carollers and a festive brass band in the Piazza. Guests can also lace up skates on the outdoor rink under twinkling lights and warm up by the fire in the Coffee Shop.
What to Expect
Stroll through Twelve Days of Christmas light displays and outdoor ice skating.
Event Details
Duration
The average stroll through the Gardens during the Magic of Christmas season is about an hour. Allow more time for food services, the Seed & Gift Store, or a Festive Brass or Traditional Caroller performance.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Butchart Gardens
Food & Drink
The Coffee Shop offers hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire; festive dining is available in the Dining Room Restaurant, with casual fare at the Blue Poppy Restaurant.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and festive-season visitors
Vibe
Festive and atmospheric
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Traditional Carollers and Festive Brass alternate every half hour from 5:00pm–9:00pm. On New Year’s Eve, the Gardens are open until 10:00pm; no other event opening time is stated.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted inside The Gardens before 8:30pm during the Christmas season, December 1–January 6, and are welcome from 8:30pm until 10:00pm. The FAQ also says pets are welcome from 8:30pm until closing and asks that they be leashed no longer than 4ft, under control, and directly by the visitor’s side.
Tips & Advice
- Buy timed entrance tickets once they go on sale on October 14, 2026, since walk-ups are turned away on busy evenings when the Gardens reach capacity.
- Arrive within 10 minutes of the time on your ticket, since that's the leeway allowed for travel at the Admission Gate.
- If you rebook, bring both your original and your rebooked timed tickets to the Admission Gate, because you won't be admitted without both.
- Have kids 12 and under make a snowflake at home from a sheet of white paper to trade for hot chocolate at the Coffee Shop.
- Consider coming by BC Transit if you haven't booked, since visitors arriving by bus don't need a timed entrance ticket.
Special Events & Promotions
- Snowflake Exchange: children 12 and under trade a handmade paper snowflake for a cup of hot chocolate at the Coffee Shop.
- A Dining Room Restaurant reservation replaces a timed entrance ticket.
- Gift e-tickets are available. Recipients then reserve a timed entrance under the Complimentary Admissions category.
- Open on New Year's Eve, with no fireworks.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a timed entrance ticket?
Booking ahead is strongly recommended to guarantee admission. Walk-ups get in only if there's capacity. On busy evenings, people without timed tickets are asked to come back later, and that includes 12 Month Pass holders. You don't need a booking if you arrive by BC Transit.
How long should we allow?
The average stroll takes about an hour. Allow more time to eat, browse the Seed & Gift Store or catch a Festive Brass or Traditional Caroller performance.
What is the Snowflake Exchange?
Children 12 and under can make a snowflake at home from a sheet of white 8.5 x 11 paper. They trade it for a cup of hot chocolate at the Coffee Shop. Their snowflake could end up decorating the Coffee Shop windows.
Where can we eat?
The Coffee Shop has hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire. For festive dining, there's the Dining Room Restaurant in Jennie Butchart's former residence. The Blue Poppy Restaurant has more casual food. A Dining Room reservation replaces a timed entrance ticket.
Are all the gardens open?
No. The Japanese and Mediterranean Gardens are closed during the Christmas season.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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